How is perspiration related to recovery after exercise? If you are exercising regularly, this is a relevant question that has to be answered. It’s because not many people know the correct answer to this query.
As an allied health worker, I know it’s crucial that you should know the response to this important question. Rest assured, I will answer it based on scientific facts.
Perspiration and Dehydration
It’s no secret that numerous exercise buffs tend to ignore the recovery period after perspiring during an exercise. This could seriously lead to severe dehydration, which would increase the risk of a cardiovascular shock or a cardiovascular insult.
And it can be fatal; it can lead to death.
Obviously, it doesn’t happen every time, but what if you’re one of the unlucky ones that would encounter cardiovascular insult? Thus, continue reading and be aware of the essential facts that could lead to this mishap.
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is the condition in which the body loses water due to various reasons. This water loss can also cause water-electrolyte imbalance.
The body needs water to be able to nourish the body cells, Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and platelets. These cells must have 92% water by volume, to be able to perform their physiologic functions properly.
You may not know it, but the body is composed of around 55% to 73% water. This indicates that the body is composed primarily of water. Without water, the body’s organs would be impaired because the cells won’t be able to function normally.
The body normally requires 6 to 8 glasses a day of water, and during hot temperatures – even more than that. Thus, you must have a bottle of water by your side every time you exercise.
In addition, take note of the amount of sweat that you have excreted, so you would have a rough estimation of how much water you must replace.
What can Cause Dehydration?
- Profuse sweating or hyperhidrosis
- Uncontrolled diarrhea
- Polyuria(can be of hormonal origin; Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperthyroidism)
- Excessive vomiting
You can read more about ‘why dehydration is dangerous’ in this link.
Here’s a video discussing about dehydration:
What is Perspiration?
Perspiration or sweating is a process where the skin of the body produces a salty liquid, when heat is generated and the temperature of the body goes up due to increased metabolism, exercises, and similar activities.
It’s one of the defense mechanisms of the body, which is used to regulate the body’s normal temperature – 36 to 37 degrees Centigrade.
Your body has a built in homeostatic ability to maintain the state of balance via the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus acts as the body’s thermostat and triggers the sweat glands to produce perspiration when the body needs to cool down.
How is Perspiration Related to Recovery after Exercise?
Perspiration is related to recovery after exercise based on the following:
1. Volume of Perspiration
The volume of perspiration excreted should be replenished by the same amount of water during or right after the exercise regimen to ensure proper recovery.
2. Ample Time to Recover Water and Minerals Lost through Perspiration
Perspiration is related to recovery, in the sense that your body must recover the amount of sweat that was excreted, and the body must be given ample rest after your exercises.
During the recovery period, the water and minerals that was lost during the exercises could be replenished, to allow your body to recover these substances.
If the body lacks water, you already know what fatal condition could result. Please refer to the notes in the introduction of this post.
3. Amount of Perspiration Lost is Directly Related to Recovery Method
The amount of sweat excreted is related to the type of recovery method you would utilize. If the perspiration is profuse, you have to implement the long term recovery method.
4. Recovery from Severe Dehydration is Longer
The long term recovery method may require an oral rehydrating solution or a fast IV drip to replenish the substances lost due to excessive perspiration. Furthermore, you have to allow enough time for any injured muscles to heal and rest.
This can take a week or a month’s recovery, depending on the diagnosis of your doctor.
5. Recovery from Mild Dehydration is Shorter
For mild dehydration, you could use the short term recovery method, which would require you to rest for a few hours.
During the recovery period after the exercise, ascertain that your body’s water has been sufficiently replaced, and that you don’t have any muscle injuries to recover from.
6. Amount of Water Given must Be Directly Proportional to The Amount of Perspiration Lost
To summarize the answer to the question: How is perspiration related to recovery after exercise?
Perspiration is related to recovery after exercise because the amount of sweat eliminated from your body must be the same amount of water given during the recovery period.
The speed in which the water is administered to the body will depend on your state of dehydration.
Apparently, the more dehydrated you are, the quicker water should be administered. As previously mentioned, in severe cases, you would need an intravenous fluid, for you to recover sufficiently.
Keep in mind that when dehydrated, coffee and carbonated drinks are not recommended.
Drinking sports liquids, without knowing its content can also be destructive to the body. The water and electrolytes (minerals) in your body must be balanced accurately for your organs to function normally.
When in doubt, use only water. If you feel tachycardia (fast hear beat) and dizziness – even after taking a rest – you have to consult your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Using scientific facts, I have answered the question: How is perspiration related to recovery after exercise?
The crucial thing to remember is that whatever water and electrolyte you have lost during perspiration; they should be replaced immediately or during a course of time. This would be dependent on the severity of the dehydration status.
Thus, the relationship of perspiration to recovery is vital: the amount of perspiration excreted would dictate the type of recovery method appropriate for your condition.
You may want to share this post with your family and friends. You’re welcome to add a comment below to share your experiences, as well.
